I began doing aggressive, consistent physical exercise just over 40 years ago. I began by running, and 20 years ago I added weightlifting to my routine. Over the years I have had to make some modifications to my work out (for example I had to give up running 25 years ago and replaced it with cycling and the StairMaster at the gym), but I have always gone to the gym at least three times a week, and often five times a week, since 1982.
I feel good about how I have been able to maintain a consistent habit of working out. When I travel, I always find a short membership at a near-by gym so I can maintain my routine. During the COVID lockdown I borrowed some weights and found a way to exercise at home. I am comfortable in any gym and can quickly find the right weights and some kind of cardiovascular workout. I am not in perfect shape, but I don’t look bad given my age.
MY DAY IN THE “BOX”
Last week good friends took me to their “box” for a CrossFit work-out. I knew a
My friend Dexter who took me to the box.
little about CrossFit and how it differed from more conventual gyms. In the past I have had some friends who were CrossFit fanatics who couldn’t stop talking about it. I have read several articles about the philosophy behind CrossFit workouts and others that were critical of the workout saying it was dangerous. I learned a lot from a segment on CBS’s 60 Minutes (Watch 60 Minutes: King of CrossFit – Full show on CBS). I did not walk into the “box” blind, but I was not prepared.
WHAT I SAW IN THE BOX
The first thing that struck me was how intimidated I was. Everyone in the box wasn’t just in good shape, they were in excellent shape. I have never seen so many people with such clearly defined, large muscles. I was intimidated as I saw the workouts they were doing. They were lifting very heavy weights and climbing to the top of ropes attached to a forty-foot ceiling. And if that wasn’t enough, I saw people collapse after their workout gasping for air. When I go to the gym I work hard and push myself, but I never collapse. I was scared.
The second thing that struck me was how friendly everyone was. I had heard that CrossFitters were relational, but I was not expecting the warm welcome I got. I have been going to church in Cheyenne for six months and no one has introduced themselves to me or asked me who I was. In the first ten minutes of being in the “box,” five different people took the initiative to shake my hand, told me they were glad that I was there and asked where I was from.
Finally, I was blown away by the leader of the class. He took the time to assess my abilities, explained the workout we would be doing, and adjusted the workout to my level of fitness. As we were doing the workout, he watched me carefully, making sure I wasn’t going to hurt myself, and gave me clear instructions on how I could improve my form. I was clearly the weakest person in the “box,” but everyone was positive and encouraging. I couldn’t stop thinking that this is what church is supposed to feel like but seldom does.
EMBRACING THE DISCOMFORT
Being in the “box” was uncomfortable, but a great learning experience. It reminded me that if I am going to grow as a person, I need others to see who I am, which is humbling, and allow them to coach me. This isn’t profound. Every self-help book and self-improvement class starts with something like, “If you want to get better you have to start with admitting where you are.” Being in the “box” reminded me how hard that is.
EMBRASING THE WORK
My most excellent coach
It also reminded me that once I have been open and vulnerable, and once I’ve received valuable input from my coach, I need to do the hard work of making changes. My one CrossFit workout exposed weaknesses in my current workout. There isn’t a “box” in Cheyenne that works for me, so, for the time being, I am going to stay with my conventional gym. But if I want to improve, I must add some exercises that are between uncomfortable and painful. I have been doing this by an act of will, and it isn’t easy.
What is true of my physical self is just as true for my spiritual and psychological self. If I am ever going to get better, I must tell a respected coach (therapist, pastor, good friend) and then DO THE WORK! Sometimes that work involves writing in a journal, or talking more and going deeper, or doing things which feel unnatural and uncomfortable. But if I want to be different, I must do some different things which are not always fun.
I am also reminded how important it is to take the initiative and introduce myself to others. Dr. Laurie Santos, a cognitive scientist and Professor of Psychology at Yale University, cites studies that show that even small acts of smiling and giving a warm greeting to a stranger will improve your mood and theirs. I want to get better at greeting people and genuinely wishing them a good day or thanking them for how they have improved my life by giving me directions, helping me check into my hotel room, or helping me buy a pair of shoes.
I hope today you can find others you trust and be honest about the struggles in your life. I pray that you will find the courage to make some practical changes in your life. And I pray that you will reach out your hand and encourage the people who come across your path. I think everyone could use a friendly face in their lives today and you could be that face. Now, I am off to the gym to work on one of my weakness.
